Month: October 2019

Beware of the Crocodile

Beware of the CrocodileBeware of the Crocodile by Martin Jenkins, Satoshi Kitamura
Published by Candlewick Press on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 0763675385
Pages: 32
Goodreads

Crocodiles, we have read how cunning, scary and ruthless they are if something gets in their sight. Martin Jenkins introduces young scientists to  this toothy , scaly reptile. Along with the scary part, Jenkins paints a kinder side to the crocodile. they sunbathe in the sand, cool off in the water and crocodile mothers are protective and gentle with their young. In a conversational text, readers learn a lot about one of the deadliest reptiles in the world. Satoshi Kitamura’s illustrations done in mixed media are true to fact but soften the scarier facts about crocodiles. He has added additional information and websites for those interested in furthering their interest in this reptile.This is the book for the budding herpetologist. Good for grades k-5.

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray

Looking for Yesterday

Looking for YesterdayLooking for Yesterday by Alison Jay
Published by Candlewick Press on August 20th 2019
ISBN: 1536204218
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

A young boy is nostalgic for yesterday.  How could he go back in time and do it all again, he wonders.  So he decides to try  – by gazing at stars whose light is from a million yesterdays,  by imagining what might go faster than the speed of light,   to  building a supersonic rocket, and to even  considering that a wormhole just might do the trick. Eventually he decides to ask  his Granddad who asks him “why” he wants to go back to yesterday. Granddad then reminisces about some of his own very best yesterdays.  He then tells the young boy that “everyday brings the chance of a new adventure. Why go looking  for yesterday when you can be happy here . . .TODAY!”

This  picture book  tackles a big and thought provoking question.  In turn, this question has the potential of  leading  to interesting discussions with as may answers as their are children discussing it!   The scope of this book is wide and deep and scientific,  yet whimsical in it’s telling and illustration.  And by including Granddad in the “equation,” the topic is made  personal for children.  After all, doesn’t Granddad, with all his knowledge and experience, know the answer to everything?

The illustrations  by this author-illustrator are captivating, colorful and expressive and nicely enhance the thoughts and ideas  presented  throughout the text.   Could be used at any time,  during a science class or for stimulating the minds of the young and curious.

Reviewed By Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

five-stars

Here and Now

Here and NowHere and Now by E.B. Goodale, Julia Denos
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 1328465640
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Have you ever thought of what is happening all around you at this very minute? Julia Denos and E.B. Goodale have teamed up to engage young readers in their book about what is taking place to you and your surroundings even as you are reading the book. The world is spinning,and thus you too, ideas are forming, animals all over are living and breathing. Through simple text and rich illustrations of ink, watercolor and collage they urge the reader to take the time to notice , feel , listen, smell and hear what is around you. It is a picture book of “real time meditation.” It is a reminder that even our youngest readers are so busy they forget to be still and breathe. Use this to open a discussion on slowing down and enjoying all that is before us.

four-stars

Maya and The Lost Cat

Maya and The Lost CatMaya and the Lost Cat by Caroline Magerl
Published by Candlewick Press on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 1536204234
Pages: 40
Goodreads

The story  of a small girl on a mission. During a rain storm, Maya spots a cat on the roof of a   neighboring building.  Sensing it may be lost or homeless, she tries to lure it in with all manner of tricks. Finally, a bowlful of fish brings the cat to the doorway but not inside. Deciding it must live in a one of the nearby houses, she places a can of fish in her pocket and sets out to find cat’s home. No home to be found. Not one to give up, she widens her search area. the reader will have to continue to see if   she succeeds in finding cat’s humans and then how will she say goodbye. The text is simple and sparse, leaving lots of room for delightful, whimsical watercolor illustrations that are fluid like and  full of expression . Readers will respond to the spirit and “never give up ” attitude of Maya.

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray

Greek Myths and Mazes

three-stars

Gods, heroes, fantastic creatures and historical events await the reader in a series of detailed two page mazes. An introduction to ancient Greek myths, legends, monsters and places, this interactive format will keep readers engaged. For readers who enjoy finding their way in mazes, they will also discover the myths and the world of ancient Greek by playing close attention to the illustrations and captions.  There is more detailed information in the back of the book in the Explanatory Notes section that correlates with each maze.

The mixed media illustrations in the book were inspired by the artwork of numerous ancient Greek vases, frescoes, and statues.  A fun and interactive way to learn about the culture of the ancient Greeks.  The large format presents a challenge in storing the book but would work well to have book displayed  with Greek collection.  Not recommended as a first purchase but a secondary purchase for most libraries with a strong collection.  For readers age 10 and up.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public  Library, Kennebunkport, ME

 

 

three-stars

Death Eaters: Meet Nature’s Scavengers

Death Eaters: Meet Nature’s ScavengersDeath Eaters: Nature's Decomposers and Scavengers by Kelly Milner Halls
Published by Millbrook Press on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512482005
Goodreads
five-stars

There has been life on earth for over 4 billion years- so where are all the bodies? Kelly Milner Halls has given the reader the answer in this non- fiction picture book filled with fact and photographs .The answer is “recycling.” When something or someone dies it is consumed by the “death-eaters”, scavengers and decomposers – the “clean-up crew.” It is in this selection the reader gets to meet them and though it may seem gross to us- it is amazing and fascinating as to how the earth cleans itself. Ms Halls takes the reader through the five stages of death, explaining each one and introducing the bodily function,  insect or animal that is responsible for addressing each stage. In the first stage for instance, an animal freshly dead, the body begins to shut down and self digest. After about three days, animals such as wolves or hyenas eat or store the somewhat fresh corpse. Then  the, birds from crows to seagulls, insects of all sorts take their turn until nothing is left but bones. Now it is the job of the bone eating worms and finally the bacteria and fungi to leave no trace of the dead. With lots of photographs  and a text easy to understand, this is the completion of any book about insects, birds or animals as to what happens to them after they die. Use with units on nature, animals and recycling.

reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray

five-stars

Have You Seen My Blankie?

Have You Seen My Blankie?Have You Seen My Blankie? by Lucy Rowland, Paula Metcalf
Published by Nosy Crow on October 1st 2019
ISBN: 1536208191
Pages: 32
Goodreads

What happened to Princess Alice’s blankie? She always took it to bed as it was so soft and cuddly, but one day it goes missing… The young princess has to be brave and find it.  She starts her search with her brother, who admits he had used it as a curtain, but it was then taken by a giant. On to the giant, who admits he had used it as a hankie, but it was then taken by a witch. The witch  had used it as a cloak but it then went on to a dragon who used it to help him sleep. The princess finds the blankie with the dragon but he doesn’t want to give it back as he needs it to sleep. They all have suggestions on what would help the dragon sleep. So they try using a cat from the witch, a feather pillow from the giant, a pair of socks from her brother but none of them work to help the dragon sleep. The distraught dragon then come to the palace with Alice  who finally shares a fluffy teddy bear with him. This is the perfect solution and he snuggles the bear and dreams of guarding the bear and blankie. The clever  uses of the blankie will also encourage young readers to use their imagination. This rhyming  tale of friendships and collaboration will make kids smile. The mixed media illustrations are playful and detailed with lots to discover.  Unlike many fairy tales, the  characters in this story are helpful, kind and friendly.  The rhyming text makes it a fun story to read aloud. An entertaining story for children ages 3 to 6.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

Danny and the Dinosaur Mind their Manners

Danny and the Dinosaur Mind their MannersDanny and the Dinosaur Mind Their Manners by Bruce Hale, Syd Hoff
Series: I Can Read
Published by HarperCollins on April 16th 2019
ISBN: 0062410571
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

When Danny and the dinosaur see that a “king” is coming to the museum they realize that they will need to be on their best behavior.  They team up and and work on improving their manners. It’s not easy learning new things but sticking with it and trying hard can make things happen. Although the king is not  the type of King they expected, Danny and his dinosaur are rewarded for their efforts with a first in line pass to view the mummy of King Tut.   First introduced in 1958,  this reboot of Danny  and the Dinosaur is likely to be as popular  as the earlier stories. The illustrations are bright and cheerful in the style of Syd Hoff.  This level 1 reader is great for beginning readers with its short sentences, familiar words and simple concepts.  A nice story that will work well for new readers.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Anxious Charlie to the Rescue

Anxious Charlie to the RescueAnxious Charlie to the Rescue by Terry Milne
Published by Candlewick Press on October 1st 2019
ISBN: 1536209163
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Charlie is an adorable little dog who lives a very structured life.  Living this way helps  alleviate his many fears.  He believes that if he follows the same routines every day that nothing bad will ever happen. So, the wiener dog  starts each day with a regimented wake up hop and ends each day with a systematic lining up of his toys. Many other rituals follow throughout the day that help him feel  in control.  But one day he is awoken by a ringing phone with an urgent request . His friend, Hans the dog, is stuck and Charlie is needed. The routines are forgotten in his rush to help his friend. The little dog comes up with a clever method to free his friend and is declared a star by his friends. When he gets back, he realizes that even though he forgot his routines  everything turned out fine! The next day Charlie is open to new adventures!  An uplifting  story on embracing change that works for everyone but will be of particular benefit for children with anxieties and or OCD. The sweet illustrations are done in ink with  a watercolor wash using a soft palette of warm blues, golds and browns.  The illustrations are varied with some full page bleeds and other pages with plenty of white space to offset the smaller  illustrations. The text and illustrations work well together making the book easy to read . Ideal for ages 3 to 6. A nice addition to any library or home.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Dear Boy,

Dear Boy,Dear Boy, by Paris Rosenthal, Jason Rosenthal
Published by HarperCollins on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 0062422510
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

This picture book is a companion to Dear Girl, written by Amy Rosenthal and her daughter Paris just before the former’s death. This time, Paris has teamed up with her father for a paean to all that a boy can be. Sincere, funny, and encouraging, this book attempts to celebrate the many emotions a boy can feel, the positive actions he can take, and the dreams and hopes he should be allowed to pursue. After generations of boys who have been told that “boys will be boys” and to “take it like a man,” a book like this is welcome for its message of acceptance of gentleness and quiet power. It pairs well with Pat Zietlow Miller’s Be Kind and The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and can be used to show that all children have the capacity to be many things no matter their gender if nurtured and supported. Once again, Holly Hatam’s digital illustrations punctuate the narrative with powerful simplicity.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars